we begin this sunday in rome where pope benedict preside over his next to last sunday service. his abrupt resignation last monday takes effect on february 28th. but the vatican has yet to announce a date for the conclave that will annoint a successor. allen pizzey in st. peter's square begins our coverage. >> reporter: benedict xvi treated his regular sunday angelus as business as usual. but usual days don't draw crowds like this. an estimated 50,000 faithful jammed st. peter's square. the pope's only reference to his impending retirement was in spanish. when he asked the crowd to